Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Leading through Lockdown 3 with John Stevens and a panel of FIEC pastors.

1. The great challenge that we face is that we have a dangerous and difficult journey to the City of God.  But we have a great God, the covenanting-creator who will help and protect and He assures us that He will bring us safely to our destination.

2. Coronavirus Law & Guidance Update:
– In England places of worship remain open for communal worship.
– Churches can open for public worship and to broadcast/record.
– Outdoor worship in church garden, courtyard, car park is permitted.
– Churches cannot open for indoor prayer meetings/study groups but can for ‘support groups’ of max 15.
– Funerals are allowed for up to 30 attenders, but weddings now only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ with a max of 6 attenders.
– Sunday School and children’s groups cannot take place unless it is for child care of key workers or vulnerable children.  Though Sunday School is seen by us as part of corporate worship, as soon as you’ve got children leaving parents, the government would consider it to fall under ‘out of school’ activities.
– Advice continues to be no congregational singing, and it recommended that only 1 singer (max 3) is used (Is more than 1 singer essential to our worship services?)  Recorded singing is preferential.  The positive permission at Christmas on outdoor singing has been removed from the guidance.
– Social distancing requirements remain the same.  Public Health England spoke to Place of Worship task force to say even with new strain of virus, current social distancing are fine.
– Even though people can attend places of worship, guidance is to stay local and not travel any considerable distance.

3. With the vaccination programme in place, churches are urged to abide by law and guidance.  The freedoms churches are able to enjoy is because of the way they have been implementing the guidance.  Compliance is being monitored across denominations.

4. FIEC have updated their FAQs.

5. Whilst abiding by and obeying the law and guidance, there is flexibility for different churches to act in different ways according to what they believe is wise and best in their context.

6. General consensus is that levels of fear and anxiety have risen within church families because  of the virus is spreading.  People are feeling low, disappointed.  These feelings are cumulative because this is the third part of a long stretch without any breaks.  There is some hope because of the vaccine.  With the rollout of the vaccine, people are taking less risks in terms of coming out to in person church meetings.

7. Some churches are remaining open for services (hybrid), others have moved back to online only.  This is largely dependent on local situation regarding the virus, the make up of the church community, and resources to run physical services.  In some situations, churches have decided to close because the congregation no longer willing to attend (voting with feet).  In some settings where churches hire premises, the decision has been taken out of their hands.

8. Pray for people in the church in the morning and contact them afterwards.  Ask them what the best way of doing this is.

9. Encourage one-anothering across the congregation.

10. Smaller is best on Zoom.  Why not put organise groups of 2 in breakout rooms as that feels more like talking  to someone over coffee after church.

11. Is this an opportunity to do/try something different with your evening service?

12. Children’s and youth work and evangelism at the moment is just hard.

13. In this emotionally exhausting time, it is important for leaders to attend to their own hearts.  Important to use devotional time to replenish joy in the Lord (ideas for how to do this – listen to good Christian music to help feel the truth, listen to passionate preaching that proclaims the gospel, lean more on the insights of others).

14. Practice the discipline of thankfulness.  How did I see God’s grace yesterday?  Where do I need God’s grace today?  How can I show God’s grace today?

15. Do you need to slow down?  To pack less into your diary and create more margin time?

16. Don’t be overwhelmed by what others are able to do.

17. Exercise.  Go for a walk or run each day.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on How to Engage Effectively with Government with John Stevens, Nola Leach & Tim Farron MP (who is a member of an FIEC church).

1. The challenge is not to lose heart in gospel ministry.  Many pastors do lose heart because often because of perceived lack of fruit or some hardship and affliction, and there is a concern that after the COVID-crisis ends many will give up.  What reasons does Paul give to us about why we should not lose heart?  Two from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  Do not lose heart in gospel ministry because i) You are being renewed daily by the resurrection power of Jesus; ii) Your afflictions are gaining a lasting eternal glory because of the resurrection of Jesus.  So, fix your eyes on our unseen eternal hope of resurrection glory.  If we are going to be sustained in ministry, that is what we need to choose to do.

2. Coronavirus Update:
– Hospital patients in the UK are nearing the peak there was at worst point in April.
– There is a real fear that the NHS will be overwhelmed in January and February which are busy months anyway, especially post-Christmas relaxation of the restrictions.
– In England, London is now in Tier 3.
– Expectation is that there will be a ‘third wave’ after Christmas due to the relaxation of the rules.
– Anticipate tighter measures being introduced in January – lockdown?
– Judicial review of national lockdown failed.  The challenge to the closure of places of worship has not yet been considered.
– Travelling from Tier 3 into Tier 2 for church services is a wisdom issue rather than a rule.  Key is that those who do keep the Tier 3 rules on mixing with others.

3. Implications for Churches:
– January to March are likely to be difficult.  Easter is the new Christmas.
– Leaders and congregations are frustrated and exhausted.  Acknowledge that this is normal for the circumstances.
– Make sure you take a break after Christmas.  It is essential you are rested and refreshed.
– Plan sensibly for the next 3 months.  The challenge is going to be keeping going.
– Think in terms of sustaining ministry rather than expanding ministry in this period of time.

4. We have huge opportunities to engage positively with our government leaders nationally and locally.  We have a right to make our voice heard.  Our politicians and local representatives are there because we elected them to be there.

5. Recognise that the world will not be put right by politics.  Politics has its place, but it is not the hope of the world.

6. The state does have authority.  God has put people in government in authority over us.  This authority was established to do us good.  This doesn’t mean we are a pushover.

7. God is a God of justice.  God demands justice from His people for His world.  The moment we see injustice and speak out, we step across into the political world.  Whilst we can do things in the public arena to curb injustice and prevent people being harmed and to challenge human rights abuses, we must recognise that this is a fallen world and ultimate change won’t come until Jesus returns.

8. How do we engage with politics?  With passion and conviction that comes from our beliefs and with wisdom.

9. Develop a theology of compromise.  Compromise is not necessarily moving away from what we fundamentally believe.  We need to know what we hold firm to and where there is room to manoeuvre.  Christian MPs may not always vote in way we think they should – often they have to balance short term good with longer term gains.

10. To be wise we need to be informed.  It is easy to make knee-jerk reactions to things that happen.  We need to have facts at our disposal.  We need to have good research.  There are a myriad of Christian organisations that can provide us with good quality research.  Being informed also enables us to pray intelligently.

11. Think about the language that you use.  We note that rise of religious illiteracy in society.  Christians suffer from cultural and political illiteracy.  Learn the language so you can be understood.  The language we use to talk to a group of Christians will be different from the language we use in a world where they do not understand where we are coming from.

12. Find common ground with people.  We can work with people on certain matters who don’t share the same views as us on other matters.  We also need to decide which battles are worth the fight and which aren’t.

13. Engage with care.  Not by being abrasive or judgmental.  Engage winsomely and with respect.  If disagreeing with someone do it with respect and with a right understanding of their position.

14. Commend MPs for doing what is right.  Of the letters MPs get, the majority are critical.  Encourage the good work they are doing, and not just on the things we think are important.

15. Christians who engage with politics and politicians should not be just like another lobby group trying to twist the arms of those in power.  Christians have the opportunity to surprise politicians by not being like a lobby group and by treating them with gentleness.

16. When thinking about politics don’t panic.  In Revelation, Rome (representative of the world opposed to God’s rule) is called Babylon because it, like Babylon will end up as rubble.  But the eternal kingdom of God won’t.

17. When thinking about politics do care.  Remember how Jesus responded to Lazarus’ two sisters after his death, in those moments before He raised him back to life.  The agony, pain, grief was real, and we should care about injustices in our world.

18. If there is another lockdown, it is a bad look for churches to look for or claim special privilege in order to stay open.  We are commanded to love our neighbour and the more we mix unnecessarily, the more likely harm will come to others.  Now that there is an end in sight with the vaccine, we should not be surprised if the government decided to prevent gathered worship if tighter restrictors are needed in the short term, even though it is possible for churches to meet together safely.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Missional Lessons from the COVID Crisis with Ed Stetzer and John Stevens.

1. This is a time when we might be experiencing emotional feelings of loneliness and powerlessness.  Jesus encourages us at the end of Matthew’s Gospel that we are not on our own and we are not powerless, especially in the mission we have been given as His disciples.  We might feel that the task of discipling the nations is too big a task, but it is possible because Jesus promised (surely) personal (I), powerful (I am), permanent (to the very end of the age) presence (with you).  So let us not lose heart and keep focused on the mission He has given us.

2. No significant change in the regulations to do with COVID in the last week.

3.  We are not in a post-COVID world yet, but it is worth thinking through now about the post-COVID church.

4. In terms of ecclesiology, we must not let COVID create our ecclesiology, rather let our ecclesiology guide us through COVID.

5. At present we have had to adopt a “temporarily deficient ecclesiology in the emergency for the sake of the mission.”  Be careful not to articulate that moving church online is the same as it was.  Don’t normalise that which you don’t want to normalise.  It is not how it is supposed to be.  It is temporarily deficient.  We want to get back to what it was, while acknowledging that this is not how it is going to be in the long-term.

6. If we can’t meet there is something wrong and we should be bothered by it.  We are not in an Acts 4 moment at present, still following Romans 13, but not meeting as a whole church is not the way it is meant to be.  Let’s not be satisfied with this.  Church is meant to be an embodied lived together experience.

7. Whatever adaptions we have had to make in the midst of the pandemic must not undermine our long-term faithfulness.

8. A church is to be certain things: Biblically faithful, culturally relevant (or appropriate), counter culture, community of the kingdom.

9. Currently we are being stretched.  Like a body builder who is all upper body but skips leg days, so reformed evangelical churches tend to be strong on the upper body (theologically, focused on the gathering) but weaker on the lower body skipping leg days (mission driven).  But since March we’ve been on legs days, caring for people, being on mission, but this can’t be forever.  We need balance.

10. What should we doing in this period where it is not the way it is supposed to be?  1) Elevate ecclesiology by teaching on it; 2) Emphasise the emergency that it won’t be forever; 3) Engage the mission; 4) Encourage toward the right ordering of the church.

11. We are looking forward to time when we probably won’t relaunch the church, but slowly regather the church, making sure that nobody gets left behind.  Re-engaging back into church life is going to be a new experience for all of us.

12. Reality is that the margins of the church (those who attend once every couple of months) are likely to be disconnected.  They have changed their lives during COVID without the Sunday gathered experience.  They have been de-churched.

13. During this time of lockdown and restrictions there has been a shuffling in society.  Issues of transgender, race, tolerance have speeded up with cultural realities up for grabs.  Check out Ross Douthat’s article in New York Times, Waking up in 2030.  We are going to have to be faithful in the midst of this.

14. Don’t expect to go back to normal when it comes to technology.  The hybrid model is likely to remain with us.  Online is the new Mars Hill.  Expect for church to have an online presence going forward.  This will be necessary for a part of the church that won’t regather for a while (at least 6 months).

15. Pastoring has been remarkably difficult.  The number of people leaving ministry after COVID will be substantive.  Don’t give up.  For this reason Resilient Church Leadership was set up.

16. Churches that haven’t adhered to restrictions and have bound consciences, have made it difficult for local churches elsewhere.  Gathering without mitigations might energise Christians who think this is both right and courageous, but also has harmed witness in their community who may view them as putting them in danger.

17. The middle of a crisis is not the time to decide how to relate to other churches or to compromise convictions about who you can partner with.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Women’s Ministry in Lockdown and Beyond with Rachel Sloan, Elinor Magowan, Gabby Samuel, and John Stevens.

1. How do we keep persevering?  We persevere to final victory by looking forwards and by looking back.  We need to remind ourselves that Christ has won the final victory and is praying for us.  We need to remember to cry out to God for help; to come to the Lord Jesus and ask Him to intercede on our behalf.  But it is also important to remember how God has helped us ‘thus far’; the way He has sustained our ministry.

2. Do you get together as a church to remember how God has helped you?

3. Update on Places of Worship with regards to the law on gatherings.
– Indoor gatherings: Tier 1 – max 6 people in a group; Tier 2 and 3 – household groups only.
– Outdoor gatherings: Tier 1 and 2 – max 6 people in a group; Tier 3 – household groups only.
– Social distancing is required – 2m (or 1m with mitigations).
– These rules about gatherings are not guidance but law.  It is against the law to mix (swap groups) and mingle (interact between groups).
– Various levels of fines in relation to mixing and mingling.
– If you travel to a lower tier you still have to keep the law on gathering that applies where you live.
– Avoid travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment or caring for individuals.

4. Update on Places of Worship with regards to the guidance on singing
– Singing indoors: Congregations should not participate in any activity that can create aerosols including singing, shouting and chanting.  Choirs can perform indoors but must comply with law on gathering in groups appropriate to the relevant tier (Rule of 6 in tier 1, household groups in tier 2&3 and should observe social distancing (2m).  Ensure gap at least 2m between performers and first row of worshippers.
– Singing Outdoors: Choir can perform outdoors but must comply with law on gathering in groups appropriate to relevant tier and should observe social distancing 2m.  Congregation can sing but should preferably be seated and 2m social distancing maintained at all times. Leaders must undertake risk assessment that considers security and should manage arrival and departure so social distancing can be maintained.
– For public open space events liaise with person responsible for the space, and if a large event, speak to the local authority.
– Position on singing is guidance not law.  But gathering organiser has to carry out risk assessment, to take all reasonable measures to limit risk of transmission including taking into account the guidances given by government.  This will mean that it is difficult to set aside guidance and choose to sing.

5. Implications of law and guidance on gatherings for Churches.
– They can open for public worship.
– They can use their buildings for study groups/prayer groups provided people remain in appropriate groups for Tier and no interactions between groups (i.e. no discussion and prayer across groups).
– Support groups up to 15; Weddings up to 15; and Funerals up to 30.
– You can organise parent and child groups up to 15 (with children under 5 not included in the limit)
– Venue managers should ensure social distancing maintained.

6. Implications of guidance on singing for Church Leaders.
– You will likely commit an offence if you organise a gathering which ignores guidance (e.g. on singing or social distancing).  You can’t just ignore the guidance on singing and social distancing.
– There may be issues of insurance cover if you fail to meet your duties under the Health and Safety legislation.
– For more information see FIEC winter risk assessment review.

7. What opportunities does the law and guidance on singing allow?
– Carol services with choir – ‘carol concert’ events.
– Outdoor carol services (following law/guidance).
– Door to door carol singing in group of 6 maintaining social distancing.
– Street and community carol singing.
– Hybrid service – some congregational singing outside and part service inside.
– Remember many people still won’t come to church and advised not to come to church.  It is worth have good quality online services for people who would not/cannot attend physically.

8. Women’s ministry during lockdown looks like what it always has done.  Discipleship, pastoral care and evangelism is at the heart of women’s ministry whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.  These three strands of women’s ministry must have God’s word at the heart of them.

9. God’s Word must be at the centre of women’s ministry because it is God speaking and because it is powerful.  God will accomplish what He purposes through His Word.  God’s Word can call people to life in Christ and train them comprehensively to live like Christ.

10. Discipling women means lovingly nurturing them to love Jesus, follow Jesus, and become more like Jesus.  This happens in the context of the local church through sound Bible teaching through relationships with other Christians.  There are lots of contexts where this can take place from informal sharing, intergenerational 121s, small group Bible studies.

11. Pastoral care is needed because women face difficult circumstances – stress and strain, reeling from past traumas, fears for the future.  Women in our churches need to be equipped to practical care for those who are hurting and broken so that they can walk alongside others and point them to Jesus.

12. Evangelism is urgent because there is a great spiritual crisis facing the majority of our population and the gospel is the only solution.  Some women maybe particularly gifted evangelists, but all need to be encouraged to live in such a way that others will ask the reason for their hope and be equipped to share the gospel with those who ask.

13. Whatever the circumstances, the essential components and vision for women’s ministry remains the same.  During times like these we might have to change the vehicles we use to do our ministry and think more creatively to achieve this God given focus.

14. Women’s ministry needs to be integrated into the whole life of the church; intergenerational (Titus 2); inclusive and accessible by serving the needs of women in different circumstances and stages of life; and individual making such personal attention is paid not just to those with more complex pastoral needs.

15. There is a need to encourage tired women – those who are tired physically, spiritually, or tired because of the restrictions.  There is a need to invest in training women – both in Bible teaching and care giving roles.

16. Three encouragements for those involved in women’s ministry: i) Hold onto the gospel you so regularly hold out to others – God’s pleasure towards you is not based on your output or how many plates you keep spinning, but it grounded in the finished work of Christ; ii) Guard you relationship with your heavenly Father – don’t skim on your devotional time; iii) Tell the truth – be honest with your church leaders about your capacity and don’t let your pride or fear of looking incompetent stop you from speaking to your brothers.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Leading the church without becoming an Armchair Epidemiologist with Dr Peter Saunders, Greg Strain, and John Stevens.

1. Evangelical Christians as a small minority in exile in this world can find hope and encouragement from Psalm 138.  In this psalm we see the King’s commitment when facing trouble and surrounded by foes to praise God’s Name because of God’s covenant; the King’s concern for God’s glory and that the nations would come to know and worship God; and the King’s confidence in God’s salvation and vindication.  Here are truths to sustain and help us in our situation.  We must remain committed to praising God’ s Name, committed to mission , and confident that God will save and vindicate us because He has raised Jesus from the dead.

2. Update on Coronavirus Law and Guidance in England:
– Places of worship will open on 2 December.
– Lockdown will end to be replaced by Tier system – Tier 1 – Rule of 6 will apply indoors and outdoors / Tier 2 – Household group inside church – Rule of 6 outdoors / Tier 3 – Household group inside and outside (except public parks etc where can meet as a group of 6).
– A unique ‘Christmas bubble’ of up to 3 households can meeting indoors between 23-27 December.  Only form Christmas bubble with 3 households and once formed, that bubble is fixed.
– Weddings with 15 attendees (Reception for 15 allowed in Tiers 1 & 2).
– Funeral with 30 attendees.
– Children’s activities/Sunday School can take place as long as it is COVID-secure.
– Face covering still mandatory.
– Likely to last to end April.

3. Two areas of uncertainty are to do with rules for outdoor gatherings (which will have implications for outdoor carol services) and congregational singing (there are some indications that guidance will be revised and possible it may be allowed).

4. Implications for churches:
– We are back to the system in place before national lockdown.
– Small groups and prayer meeting can take place, depending on which Tier you are in, either in church, at home, or outside.
– Delivery of leaflets, cards, advent bags can take place.
– In-person carol services take place in church.  Outdoor carol services likely to be possible.

5. Key questions for churches to ask with regards to Christmas:
– Will unbelievers come to church?  Restrictions such as wearing face coverings make it a more unpleasant experience, and family gatherings will be their priority.  Important that we have high quality and accessible online/hybrid events and services.
– How do care for the lonely/single in church at Christmas? (e.g. no family, international students).

6. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic with every country affected.  Worldwide daily cases and daily deaths continue to rise.  Different countries have handled it differently with some doing well and others not so well.  The worst hit areas are the Americas and Europe (Western).  The majority of infections are mild with those most are risk being aged 60+, men (who are twice at risk), Black or from Indian-subcontinent.  More are dying from COVID than any other disease now.  There are treatments that are effective causing fatality rate to drop 30% since April, and vaccines 90% effective have been developed.

7. How serious is COVID?  We have been very effective in slowing spread but…
– There have already been over 1,417,000 deaths worldwide in 9 months.
– At current rate (>11,000 per day) there will be 2 million deaths by February 2021.
– National seroprevalence in heavily infected countries is still <15%.
– Infection Fatality Proportion (IFP) probably 0.5-1.5%.
– Potential worldwide death toil 7.8b x 0.01 x 80% = 31m-62m.
– Four vaccines now at Phase III and treatments giving 30% fall in mortality.
– Collateral economic and health damage overwhelming.

8. COVID is heading towards 8th place in the worst plagues in world history.

9. COVID is causing collateral damage on health.
– Lockdown leading to hunger and famine.
– 71 million being pushed into extreme poverty.  265 million people likely to face starvation by the end of this year as a result of COVID.
– Worsening mental health including psychosis.
– Family breakdown, domestic abuse and stigma.
– Crucial medicine inaccessible e.g. for HIV, TB, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, mental health.
– The number of children dying from missed vaccinations is likely to far outpace the numbers of people dying from COVID-19.  It is threatening to unwind decades of progress against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, polio, typhoid, yellow fever, cholera, rotavirus, HPV, meningitis A and rubella.
– Some regions may see deaths related to HIV, TB and malaria increase by up to 10, 20, 36% respectively over five years.

10. The situation is like Odysseus navigating his boat between Scylla and Charybdis.  On one side we have the serious disease of COVID-19 and the other the collateral effects of it.

11. COVID controversies.
– Protecting the vulnerable vs protecting the economy (majority of countries are on the brink of recession; global debt is soaring).
– Do you lockdown or do you release?  Or take a nuanced approach?
– Elimination vs Moderate Control.
– What is the IFP? (Infection Fatality Proportion).  Estimates of the proportion of people who die from COVID-19 have been controversial.
– ‘Focussed protection’ and ‘herd immunity’ vs controlling community spread.
– The real level of immunity.
– Vaccines – effectiveness, equity and ethics.

12. Within the church we are hearing Christian memes:
– The Great Barrington Declaration – ‘focussed protection’.
– Sweden didn’t lockdown and has ‘herd immunity’ with minimal death/economic damage. [DPS: Sweden is not a wonderful success story when you dig deeper into the data available]
– COVID mortality is no worse than the flu.
– People would have died within months anyway if COVID hadn’t killed them.
– Many counted as COVID deaths really died from other causes.
– The pandemic is already over.
– Vaccines are untested, dangerous and unethical.
– IFP overestimated and level of immunity underestimated.
DPS has serious misgivings about all of them.

13. Some tentative conclusions from Dr Peter Saunders:
– An incredibly complex multifactorial problem.  It needs experts from every discipline working well together.
– An abundance of exponential curses (including armchair epidemiologists).
– Social distancing, hand hygiene and mask are very effective.
– Test, trace and isolate is incredibly successful in best countries (which doesn’t include Western Europe and USA).
– Lockdown has a role in emergencies to flatten the curve.
– Going for ‘herd immunity’ is an unproven strategy and risks huge mortality.
– Treatments have reduced mortality by 30% and are improving.
– Three vaccines are now available but let’s still be very cautious about stopping prevention.
– I would personally get vaccinated both to protect myself and others.

14. The big ethical concern about the vaccine we should have is to do with equity and availability throughout the world and Western countries buying up all the vaccines to use for their people.  It is important that it is widely available.

15. The other concern is the abortion link with 5 vaccines linked to the cell lines developed from two aborted babies in 1960-70s.  Christians will disagree on this matter.  On one hand abortion is wrong and complicity, collaboration, means to end to create cell lines is wrong.  On the other, if effective vaccine is produced and nothing else available, is this a Genesis 50:20 situation where man intended it for evil but God used it for good and the saving of many lives?  This blog post looks at this further.

16. It is reasonable for pastors to take this pandemic seriously.  This is not the bubonic plague but neither is it seasonal flu.  We are in the midst of a serious pandemic but praise God it is not as bad as it could have been.

17. It is reasonable for pastors to be concerned for the physical welfare of others, especially the vulnerable.  Church events  have the ability of being super-spreaders.

18. It is reasonable for pastors to take Romans 13 seriously.  It is easy to be sceptical about government, but we are called to respect and obey and pray for our government.  They are placed their for our good, and in common grace they often act for our good and for good of society.  We need to have a bit of mercy on our government – caught between rock and hard place – economic damage and mental health – as they have a difficult task.  We want too much from the government, expecting them to be Christian and give us special place when aren’t and don’t, whereas non-Christian often expect to solve all their problems.  This is not to say that down the line we might have to consider civil disobedience.

19. It is reasonable for pastors to prayerfully do our best before the Lord.  All we can do is weigh up the arguments and make the best decision before the Lord and for our churches with our elders.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Leaders Under Pressure with Johnny Prime and John Stevens.

1. When thinking about the pressures that fall on church leaders, there are three truths to have in mind: 1) Times of pressure are normal for servants of our Lord Jesus; 2) Times of pressure are purposeful in God’s wise and loving providence; 3) In times of pressure we are helped by each other’s prayers.

2. God’s Word is sufficient for every circumstance we face, especially in times of pressure and suffering when we are aware of our frailty and weakness.

3. 2 Corinthians 1:8 reminds us that being informed about the pressures faced by others is an essential part of genuine Christian fellowship.

4. Times of pressure are part of our union with Christ.  They cannot be avoided.  They are natural not abnormal.  But we can know God’s comfort in them.

5. The pressures we face are purposeful and fit for purpose.  They are designed to wean us from our self-reliance and make us more Spirit-reliant (2 Corinthians 1:9).

6. Praying for those under pressure is a way for us to help them (2 Corinthians 1:10-11), which God uses for their good.

7. Anecdotally, the pressures being faced by gospel servants – male and female – at the moment during this COVID crisis can be categorised under three headings – Pastoral, Practical, and Personal.

8. Pastoral pressures include a) concern about how the flock are doing, when it is not possible to interact with them as we previously did; b) how to engage with complex pastoral problems; c) maintaining unity; d) areas of ministry we and the church are struggling to fulfil.

9. Testimonies of leaders regarding pastoral pressures:
–  “As helpful as regular phone calls/brief face to face interactions (depending on what restrictions say) I’m missing ‘the ministry of shaking hands’ on the door on Sunday and the opportunity to catch up with everyone quickly, notice non-verbal cues that there might be something wrong, or for people to say can I have a word with you.”
– “…my biggest challenge… is not really knowing how people in the church are doing.”
– “I’ve realised how much pastoral work I do through 15-20 two-minute conversations on a Sunday, where you can get a quick sense for how most people are getting on.”
– “We can text and call, and write, but in these times, it is far easier for people to be evasive.”
– “Concern over who is still with us… I’m feeling really disconnected from the church. That has led to a feeling that everyone has left (they haven’t, although we have lost one family). “
– “In normal times I’d be spending time with them alongside time with others who are kicking on and growing which is a great encouragement – I think I’m seeing the encouraging people less and the needy people more.”
– “. It is harder to remain united and to go forward together because of the double whammy of people having a whole variety of ideas and it being impossible to get the whole church together to address issues and communicate a sense of direction.”
– “Ministry to teenagers has been the thing most impacted by not being able to meet.”
– “evangelistic efforts have been hampered and if there is any online fruit it is too early to see that.”

10. Practical pressures include a) keeping up with constantly changing guidelines; b) acquiring new skills to do online church; c) preaching to camera with no feedback; d) additional admin; e) managing people; f) finances of the church.

11. Testimonies of leaders regarding practical pressures:
– “Time and emotional energy taken to keep up with constantly changing guidelines.”
– “Steep learning curve with new technologies.”
– “Everything takes more time.”
– “Just tired of doing everything by camera.”
– “Because the rules keep changing and we are continually having to come up with new ways of doing things, I seem to be spending vast amounts of time in “organisation/leadership” …  rather than keeping my priority as prayer and the ministry of the Word.”
– “Wisely and sensitively managing staff/volunteers amid increased fragility/reduced capacity.”
– “Finance is a concern, and COVID has made that worse. Some people have moved to electronic donations, but income that normally comes in cash has gone down.”

12. Personal pressures include a) weariness, worry and difficulties in resting and relaxing; b) getting it all done; c) pressure on family life; d) feelings of discouragement and doubt; e) loneliness.

13. Testimonies of leaders regarding personal pressures:
– “Just feeling tired.”
– “I’m pretty exhausted.”
– “Little issues take more time; sermon prep takes more time; pastoral conversations take more time.”
– “Boundaries are more fluid at home in the digital world.”
– “especially when hear of gospel success in other places.  Thrilled as I am, it sometimes makes me wonder why not where I am.”
– “hard to know if I’m doing an ok job or not – feeling a bit insecure / guilty… Part of it is seeing other churches with higher capacity / output (wrong comparisons etc).”
– “The reality is that I am just spending a lot of time on my own in a way that feels vaguely unnatural and not quite as the Lord designed us. Now I’m grateful for technology… which has taken the edge off that, but it probably means I’m more emotionally fragile.”

14. Knowing about the pressures we face help us to know we are not unusual as we face them, to trust God has good purposes in them, and to help us to pray for each other.

15. Under pressure, we need to look away from ourselves to heaven and to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is our Father of compassion and God of all comfort for His comfort.

16. John Newton in Begone Unbelief: “His love in time past forbids me to think he’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink; and can He have taught me to trust in His name and this far have brought me to put me to shame.”

17. COVID Crisis Update – a perspective on where we are at can help us thinking about our planning going forward.
– Leaders, congregations, and society more widely are increasingly frustrated by the lockdown and its restrictions.
– There is division about how to respond to the crisis which is impacting the evangelical community.
– The situation is compounded by sense of uncertainty.  Churches are desperate for clarity.
– The statistics about deaths and hospitalisations are moving towards those back in March.
– England is currently in a national lockdown until 2 December.  Places of worship are closed for public worship.  They can open for private prayer, for serving community (food banks etc), and for support groups.  We are able to visit the vulnerable to provide assistance and meet with one other person for recreation.
– 99.9% of churches are obeying lockdown.  London church prevented by police fro holding service but was able to split into two ‘support groups’.
– There is a judicial review of lockdown due to be heard, possibly as early as this Friday.

18. What will happen after 2nd December?
– No official confirmation or insider information.
– Likely that there will be an enhanced local tier system introduced with most areas in Tier 3 or new Tier 4.
– It is unlikely that church services will be able to resume without restrictions ahead of Christmas.  Requirements for face-coverings, no congregation singing, household groups will remain in place.
– Government is concerned about saving ‘secular’ Christmas which is about family gatherings (as highlighted by the various supermarket Christmas adverts).  If there are relaxation of restrictions over Christmas period, it is possible that tighter restrictions will follow after.
– Introduction of vaccines will have little impact on restrictions until late Spring.  The extension of the furlough scheme until the end of March gives an indication of where government thinking is going.

19. What we are experiencing in the UK is similar to other European contexts with most European countries in lockdown or curfews with restrictions on churches meeting for public worship.

Notes from John Stevens’ presentation at the FIEC AGM on God’s Faithfulness to FIEC in the Time of Coronavirus.

1. This year has been an incredibly challenging year for us all. No-one expected coronavirus with lockdowns and all the restrictions with no end in sight. Yet God has been faithful to us in FIEC and among our churches. It has also shown us the importance and benefit of FIEC’s vision of Independent churches working together to reach Britain for Christ.

2. FIEC exists to support independent evangelical churches which hold to the biblical gospel, and have sought to do this by giving up to date information to help them make their own decisions. FIEC churches have proved resilient during the crisis because of their priority to a Word-based ministry as primary means of making disciples (opposed to sacramental or social action). Though not ideal or a replacement for the physical gathering, online services have meant that the Word has continued to go out.

3. Independence does not mean isolation, and COVID has highlighted why this is important. It has spurred more churches and pastors to connect with one another to pray for and encourage one another. FIEC Webinars have provided help and support for churches and their leaders. Working together has given opportunity to make representation to government on behalf of the churches. New affiliations have strengthened our collective gospel work, and the mission fund has given away £850,000 to churches around the country.

4. Our nation remains in a desperate spiritual state. People lack hope in the face of death, and in this crisis they have not turned to the church. The church is small, declining and marginalised. What the government values from the church is not its spiritual ministry but social support. Church in the broader sense will be smaller post-COVID due to the decline of liberal and folk Christianity, but the evangelical church is growing. There have been conversions and new churches have been planted. But if we are to reach the whole nation we need to be diverse and reach all communities. FIEC is committed to greater diversity especially at leadership level and there is much to do at both board level and local church eldership level, but this won’t happen overnight.

5. It is dangerous to think we know what the future holds. Plans are in place for physical conferences with Leaders’ Conference from 8-10 November. There will be resources available for mission and training. We want to celebrate our 100th Anniversary by focusing on the reaching the nation with the gospel and by standing for core doctrines. Yet it is likely there will also be greater threats to gospel freedom coming down the line. Because our God is unchanging and He is faithful and the gospel is true we can face the future with confidence and resolve.

6. The apostle Paul experienced the ultimate lockdown, hut could say from prison, “that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,” and so urges the Philippians Christians to rejoice. Can we see ways in the church and in the nation COVID has advanced the gospel, even though we may not see the full fruit of this?

7. Pray for FIEC staff.
– For energy to keep going. Like us all they are tired and exhausted by the relentless grind.
– For godliness. When tired and frustrated it is harder to fight temptation and sin.
– For wisdom when speaking to churches and government.
– For wisdom to speak to whole of FIEC where there is a variety of views about how to navigate the COVID crisis.
– For gospel vision. To keep the main thing, the main thing and not lose focus on what is most important.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Leading through a time of Division with John Stevens and Ray Evans.

1. It is not unusual to feel heightened levels of anxiety (for self, family, health, congregation, ministry, long-term future of church) at the moment.  This is compounded by the uncertainty we are living in.  In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul recognises the problem of anxiety, and his prescription is to pray.  This is what he urges the church to do, and the promise is not that God will remove the source of anxiety but give peace.  A peace that is a settled confidence that God is in control and working out His purposes which enables us to live in this world as God intends us to.  For us as leaders, as those who rejoice in the Lord and whose gentleness is evident to all.

2.  The overriding restrictions of the National Lockdown in England are that from Thursday you cannot leave the place you live without a reasonable excuse (stay at home order), and cannot participate in indoor or outdoor gatherings (two or more people are gathering) unless there is an exemption.

3. Main excuses/exemptions are:
– Gathering with your household, linked household, linked childcare household.
– Take outdoor exercise with household or one other person (excludes child under 5).
– Work and provide voluntary/charitable services where not reasonably possible from home.
– Education or training.
– Provide care assistance to vulnerable person (over 70 or underlying health condition).
– Visit person in hospital/hospice/care home (and is member of household, close family member, friend).
– Support group of max 15 people (not in private homes).
– Visit dying person (and is member of household, close family member, friend).
– Provide emergency assistance or enable a person to avoid injury, illness or escape risk of harm.
– Attend funeral, wedding, place of worship (only if permitted gathering).
– Outdoor gathering to commemorate Remembrance Day.

4. Note the personal liability of officers of ‘body corporate’ who have consented/connived to break these rules e.g. by continuing to hold services.

5. Implications of the lockdown for churches and ministry:
– Church buildings only open for private prayer (no gathering in church = two or more people).
– Can use church building to broadcast/record service. Unclear how many people allowed in the church building for broadcast or recording of service (waiting for guidance to be released).
– No outdoor worship. This includes Drive-In services.
– Funerals for maximum 30 mourners.
– Weddings with maximum 6 attenders if one person is seriously ill and not expected to recover.
– No gatherings for multi-household Bible Study/Prayer Meetings in church premises/homes.
– Churches can continue to provide services to community (e.g. food banks/blood donations).
– Support groups for max 15 people. Parents and toddler groups count as long as they are providing support!
– Education/training can continue.
– Staff meetings/trustee meetings/volunteer meetings if not reasonably possible from home.
– Care for vulnerable individuals (over 70s, medical conditions, at risk injury, illness harm). Doesn’t have to be only done by pastor and church leaders.
– Is ‘ordinary’ pastoral visiting work? Debatable, as leaving the house for work is only where it is not reasonably possible from home. Catching up with people can be done on the phone or online via Zoom, email etc. Burden is for us to prove it has to be done in a physical way.
– Youth and Children’s work, Sunday School not possible (unless it is a support group e.g. young people struggling with an addiction).

6. Response from church leaders to lockdown.
– There has been an overwhelming protect from all constituencies (letters from CofE, Catholic bishops, Churches Together, EA, church leaders) because of the lack of justification for closing churches that have worked so hard to be COVID-secure. There is no evidence that churches are cause of risk or rise of infections.
– Judicial review has been launched by Christian Concern. Every right to assert legal case as there is protection for freedom of religion.
– Threat of civil disobedience – some leaders have indicated that they will continue to meet inc. couple of FIEC churches. But expect restrictions to be enforced.

7. Advice to churches and leaders:
– This is a political decision by PM – don’t blame the scientists or the DHCLG. Minister of Faith was not expecting for churches to be closed for public worship.
– Expect the restrictions to be introduced – there is a majority of MPs in favour. Lockdown will be imposed.
– Pray for and await outcome of judicial review challenges.
– Understand the consequences of civil disobedience (penalties, insurance, reputation of the gospel).
– Minister to your frustrated people and community. There is not the same universal support as in March. Be careful about what you say publicly.
– Make the most of online opportunities. We are more set up for it this time. Consider boosting facebook posts, using local media – newspapers, radio.
– Maximise personal ministry/discipleship within the law (e.g. walks outside, visits to vulnerable, linked households).
– Don’t distort exceptions to justify ordinary activities (e.g. claim they are education/training/support group).
– Don’t lose sight of fact thousands are ill/dying/bereaved and the heroic efforts of health care professionals and others serving the common good.

8. Three questions to ask based on Acts 15:1-16:5 (with help from John Stott) during a time when Christians are divided. 1) Is the truth of the gospel under threat? 2) Is Christian fellowship under threat? 3) Is the spread of the gospel under threat?

9. Assessing whether the truth of the gospel is being threatened is not easy. Christians are capable of teaching wrong stuff because they get the truth muddled. In Acts 15:1-18 the truth of the gospel was under threat from confused Christians. The response of the leaders is to defend the truth of the gospel vigorously.

10. When Christian fellowship is under threat as it was in Acts 15:19-35, things can be done to help Christian fellowship. When it is not a salvation issue, it is a wisdom call about how to make fellowship possible.

11. Whether something threatens the spread of the gospel is usually not a moral issue (right/wrong) but a wisdom issue (wise/foolish). In Acts 15:36-16:5 Paul decided that it wasn’t wise to take John Mark, but was wise for Timothy to be circumcised. Our understanding of what threatens the spread of the gospel is in a different category to what threatens the truth of the gospel. Wisdom calls not always easy.

12. At present the government is not threatening the truth of the gospel – they have acted to save lives.

13. Christian fellowship may be under threat in the church at the moment because some are keen to/able to meet whereas others are not. We should all be looking to help one another as much as possible and to be willing to flex as much as possible to keep unity. It is important to be patient with those with sensitive consciences who are trying to work things through.

14. Are we in a situation when it is better to forgo our rights and share in suffering with others. This is an individual judgment call. There is a time to assert our rights and a time to forgo our rights. The apostle Paul does both. Because of the way churches have made so much effort and because the government did not consult church leaders it is not wrong to do so under these circumstances. Remember if we don’t ever defend our rights, they’ll be treated as not important.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Pastoring People in a Mental Health Crisis with John Stevens and Professor Alan Thomas.

1. Jesus’ miracles are signs of eschatological salvation. They are a huge encouragement of how Jesus saves, His power to save, and His ability to put things right in the end. In Luke 8:26-39 we see how Jesus redeems from bondage to Satan, rescues from death, and restores us to our right mind.

2. Every single human being is in bondage to Satan, belonging to his kingdom, and blinded by his lies. The enemy we all face is death and we need to be rescued from the second death. The result of the fall is that our thinking is distorted. In the gospel, Jesus redeems us from this bondage to bring us into His own kingdom. He rescues us from death, and He renews our minds. Be confident in the power of the gospel. We have the hope of the eschatological salvation that is to come.

3. COVID-19 Update for Churches:
– Be realistic. We are facing the prospect of greater restrictions because the virus is increasing. The government does not want to close churches but will if required (as in Wales). Some kind of lockdown is the only policy option the government is pursuing at the moment.
– Be prepared. With great restrictions likely, we should invest in our online presence in case our churches have to close again. We also should invest in our online presence to reach people who will not come to church.
– Be pastoral. We are now more likely to be ministering into frustration more than fear. Acknowledge this frustration but don’t exacerbate it as there is little we can do about it. Encourage people to accept it rather than be angry about it. Maximise the opportunities to give pastoral support to individuals.
– Be evangelistic. Be outwardly looking not inwardly distracted. Getting annoyed with the situation takes away our evangelistic energy. Look at how your church might meet the needs of the community. Equip church members to speak to others. Engage unbelievers with the gospel online as gathering in the church building will not be the main place to engage in evangelism at present.

4. Check out Peter Saunders ‘A Medical Perspective’ at the Affinity Conference – Coronavirus and the Church.

5. Check out the Baptist Union Guidance on Pastoral Visits.

6. We are psychosomatic wholes (created body and soul/spirit/minds). Some people are stronger physically and mentally than others. Those who are stronger are more robust in their ability to handle physical and mental strain.

7. There are lots of issues related to COVID that put those in ministry under pressure: Information overload; Daily rule changes; Feeling out of my depth; Fearful of the future; Watching world; Lack of personal contact; Dissension in congregation or among elders; Rapid major decisions to make; Libertarians; Risk averse worriers; Destruction of worship; Will it ever end?; Does our church have a future?; Reduced pastoral contact.

8. Burnout and Pastors (with help from Elijah in 1 Kings 19).
– Burnout: physical and mental exhaustion associated with despair and negativism.
– Elijah’s burnout was caused by personal isolation and loneliness as he hid from King Ahab, the lonely work of one man ministry; emotionally draining work and physically exhausting work as he is summoned to face King Ahab and takes on the prophets of Baal; plus threats from Jezebel.
– The pressures Elijah faced, are all pressures we face in busy pastoral ministry. When they come together they can grind pastors down.
– The COVID situation adds additional pressures and puts pastors in a vulnerable position.
– We see the solution to this in how the Lord dealt with Elijah. There is both short-term relief and long-term change.
– Short-term relief as angel of the Lord (pre-incarnate Christ) ministers to him; food and drink; rest and sleep; words of encouragement that you are not alone and your diagnosis of situation is correct. Elijah is reassured
– If you are burning out, you need to take a step back and get some rest, some encouragement from others (elders, men in ministry) to support you in the short term.
– Long-term change for Elijah was a change to his ministry with Elisha and other prophets to support him. He was not a loner anymore.
– If you don’t change pattern of ministry you will burnout again. Look at how you can get a right balance to your work.

9. Stress/Anxiety and Pastors.
– There are lots of common physical symptoms of stress and some mental symptoms as well.
– There is a sinful and a non-sinful anxiety.
– Non-sinful anxiety includes empathy and concern for others and stress that occurs for natural reasons – feeling symptoms under stress is how the Lord has built us.
– Sinful anxiety is responding to stress with lack of trust in the LORD or fretting about coping.
– You need to work out how you respond to anxiety. Each of us have our own pattern of anxiety symptoms. You won’t necessarily feel anxious (at least to start with). You won’t necessarily worry. Aim to identify early warning signs that you are feeling under pressure.
– There are some steps you can put in place yourself to help you handle things e.g. supportive relationships, meaningful work, diet and exercise, sleep hygiene, substance avoidance.

10. Reducing COVID-anxiety.
– Not difficult in theory, but harder in practice.
– Stop watching the news. Take yourself away from being sucked into the negativism.
– Abandon social media (or limit your use of it).
– Don’t always talk about COVID.
– Replace with taking it to the Lord in prayer, with praise (get the hymnbook out), good books.
– Actively socially engage with others as you can.

11. Professor Alan Thomas has a book Tackling Mental Illness Together, which is meant to be worth a read.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Christmas isn’t Cancelled with John Stevens, Kathryn Jackson, Mike Kendall, Neil Tallamy, and Jonathan Carswell.

1. The Christmas Story in Luke 2:8-18 is a paradigm for evangelism. The shepherds were people who heard the gospel, believed the gospel, confirmed the gospel (went to Bethlehem to confirm the truth of the angel’s message), and spread the gospel. That is the basic pattern for evangelism. These things are what we as individuals and as churches are called to do, not just at Christmas, but all the time.

2. Guidance Update – Implication for Churches of Three-Tier Coronavirus Alert System:
– Medium Risk Alert: same restrictions as present; public worship allowed but no mingling between qualifying groups (rule of 6); meetings in homes allowed with maximum of 6 people; small groups in churches but no mingling between groups of 6.
– High Risk Alert: Attend services only as individual/household group (inc. linked); may not become member of any other groups participating in the gathering; may not otherwise mingle with any person participating in the gathering; meetings in private homes up to 6 outdoors; for small groups in church qualifying groups made up of only members household.
– Very High Risk Alert: Attend services only as individual/household groups (inc. linked); may not become member of any other group participating in the gathering; may not otherwise mingle with any person participating in the gathering; no meetings in private homes (household only); for small groups in church building the qualifying group must be members household.
See this blogpost by John Stevens for more detailed analysis.

3. Ideas for Christmas this Year.
– Getting Advent Ready – sending an advent book to every family/household in the church at the end of the November. For families – A better than anything Christmas; Unexpected Gift; For adults – Fixated.
– Invitations to events – instead of postcard, produce a booklet including short testimonies of church members, explanation of the good news of Christmas.
– Home for Christmas – videos of carols for online and in person services.
– Livestream all the services.
– Pre-recording Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services to give AV people a break.
– Christmas Chat & Christmas Jumpers – Zoom chat on Christmas Day after the service.
– The Narnia Experience (contact CS Lewis estate for permission) – installation and exhibition based on the books which explain the gospel with goodie bags with activities for children.
– Drive-In Carol Service if you have access to a large car park. More information on doing this HERE.
– Focus on Carol Services as presentation rather than participation this year. Consider using one of the many Christmas Videos that are produced each year.
– Nativity trail between houses of people in the church. [Alternative would be asking shops to put up a picture for a community advent calendar.]
– Drive round the neighbourhood playing carols.
– ZOOM nativity – drop around a bag of props for children at their homes and get them to put them on at different points in the story.

4. Suggestions of ways to use resources from 10ofthose.com.
– Advent books as a way to unite the church family.
– Door to door distribution of evangelistic literature.
– Carol service at Home CDs as a way of taking carol services to people’s homes.
– Giveaway children’s books to toddler group, to children in local school.
– Evangelistic posters to put up on door or window.
– Put Christmas tracts in with your Christmas cards.

5. Christmas for many is going to feel bleak this year so we want to use this time to encourage people with good news about the light that shines into the darkness.

Notes from FIEC Leadership in Lockdown webinar on Sung Worship When You Can’t Sing with John Stevens, Adrian Reynolds, Andrew McKenna, Aaron Johnson and Phil Moore.

1. There is much frustration that we are not able to sing when our congregations meet in person. Though not law, it is strongly advised guidance and 99% of British evangelical churches are observing that guidance as a way of loving others and being a good witness to their communities.

2. We want to be able to sing because the Lord has taken away our punishment. Singing flows from God dealing with our sins through the Lord Jesus Christ. This still remains true, God has taken away our punishment and so we should be glad and rejoice with all our hearts. We can take great comfort that though we can’t sing, the Lord is singing over us.

3. Guidance Update:
– Churches are not under a duty to display a QR code for Test and Trace.
– Local restrictions are affecting 25% of the population, preventing people to meeting in households.
– The penalty for breaking legal restrictions are increasing.
– Statistics show that infection, hospitalisation, and death rates are rising.
– Some SAGE advisors have called for churches to be closed but this is not a current policy for the government.
– More local lockdowns or national circuit breakers remain a possibility.

4. This is a difficult time to lead churches. Kevin DeYoung has written a great blog called ‘It’s a okay to be a pastor’ which is worth a read. Four encouragements to pastors: i) remember you are a pastor – love, care, preach, pray for flock under your care; ii) recognise the limits of your knowledge, influence and responsibility; iii) respect the authorities who rule – even if you disagree with their judgments; iv) resist the 24 hour news cycle.

5. Take care with the language you use. Using phrases such as ‘Government has banned singing’ is not helpful. Not true and prescribes motive.

6. Singing operates in different spheres. We sing to the Lord, to one another, and to ourselves. We haven’t lost everything, though it has been diminished. One-anothering is the big thing we’ve lost. Remember we are not just to offer up our praise and worship with our voices, but with our whole lives.

7. All singing is imperfect, and was before we were strongly advised not to do this. We are waiting a day when singing will be perfect, and this time is an opportunity to build that expectation.

8. We don’t want to lose the biblical place of singing. We don’t want to go back to the priesthood of some believers who sing on our behalf or to a consumer mindset where we passively engage in it.

9. Teach about congregational singing from God’s Word. Why do we sing as God’s people today? Why is it abnormal to only have some people singing? Phil Moore has done a 3 part sermon series on the topic of singing at Cornerstone Church in Nottingham.

10. Encourage the congregation to discuss the songs as well as the sermon. Give to congregation sheets with the song words on it so they can talk about the songs. [I’ve started to try and emphasise this with the ‘Hymn of the Month’ at Banstead Community Church which includes a kids talk on the hymn].

11. Promote family and household singing – see Getty Family Hymn Sing Live.

12. Current experience of sung worship in gathered churches isn’t great. Like having supermarket cola when you want the real thing.

13. Think carefully about how you introduce a song or hymn. What can you say to encourage the church? e.g. “Let us use this song to…”

14. It is probably best to have fewer song that normal when you meet.